Philadelphia rush hour traffic and cloud cover-induced GPS failure notwithstanding, I landed at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City last evening for the Philadelphia National Candy, Gift and Gourmet Show.

I can’t help but observe the juxtaposition of the venue and the event. The mirrors and glitz of the Trump Taj Mahal are so obviously reminiscent of Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffmans’ entre in to the world of counting cards in Rainman. I can see them identically suited, perfectly poised, descending the escalator to the casino floor…

Then, the event. The Philadelphia National Candy, Gift and Gourmet Show, its 127th show, is a broad-based consortium of candy retailers, confectioners, chocolatiers, packaging professionals and chocolate equipment manufacturers. A visual feast of perfectly displayed truffles, handmade chocolates and custom packaging. From the ridiculous to the sublime.

Business owners are students as well, and I am a lifelong learner. Moving on the creative instinct to produce a top quality product and further refining it is what I call “simple excellence.” Deep, often complex flavors; smooth, rich texture; a luxurious mouth feel. That’s the Essential Caramel. Simple Excellence is the mantra of the Essential Caramel.